If you or someone you know has ever experienced a dental emergency, you know how scary it can be. What should you do? That’s an important question because the first response can mean the difference between a good outcome or a difficult one. Dr. Kenneth Sharp at StoneBridge Ranch Smiles in McKinney, Texas wants to share what you should know about dental emergencies.

A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it, but you can protect yourself and others by having your dentist’s office phone numbers handy where you can find them easily.

You should also keep a few items in a dental first aid kit:

Tylenol or other over-the-counter pain medication

Sterile saline solution for rinsing

Sterile gauze or tissue for bleeding

A small container with a lid

Trauma to the face and jaws can result in soft tissue injuries to your mouth, fractured or broken teeth, and other problems. If you or someone you know experiences these injuries, there are a few simple steps you should take.

First, gently clean away any debris and rinse with saline solution. Next, press the sterile gauze to the area to stop any bleeding. Apply ice to the area to prevent any swelling and seek out the services of your dentist.

For a loose tooth, try to gently move the tooth into the correct position. If the tooth has been knocked completely out, rinse the tooth with the sterile saline solution. Keep the tooth moist by placing it in the container with saline solution or place it between the gums and cheek. Don’t touch the roots of the tooth because it can cause bacterial contamination.

Seek out the help of your dentist as soon as possible. For more information about dental emergencies and other dental topics call Dr. Kenneth Sharp at StoneBridge Ranch Smiles in McKinney, Texas. Call today!